GM Factory Seized in Venezuela, Halts Operations

General Motors has halted businesses in Venezuela, and for good reason. The Venezuelan authorities seized the factory on Wednesday, and GM says it is an “illegal judicial seizer of its assets.”

Hmmm, sounds a little like biting the hand that feeds them, considering that General Motors has been their market leader for over 35 years. The company has almost 3,000 workers there, and 79 deals which employ just under 4,000 people. So why are they trying to hurt a company that has seemingly done nothing but help them?

The confiscation of the factory happened as “anti-government protestors classed with authorities” due to economic troubles.

The Detroit automaker said in a statement Thursday that other assets such as vehicles were taken from the plant, causing irreparable damage to the company.

GM says the plant was taken in disregard of its right to due process. The company says it will defend itself legally and that it’s confident that justice eventually will prevail.

GM has about 2,700 workers in the troubled country, where it’s been the market leader for over 35 years. It also has 79 dealers that employ 3,900 people, and its parts suppliers make up more than half of Venezuela’s auto parts market, the company said.

If the government permits it, workers will get separation benefits “arising from the termination of employment relationships due to causes beyond the parties’ control,” the GM statement said.

Dealers will continue to service vehicles and provide parts, the company said.

Companies have been cutting operations in Venezuela as a result of runaway inflation and strict currency controls. Last May, tire maker Bridgestone sold its business there after six decades of operating in the country.

Bridgestone joined other foreign multinationals including Halliburton, Ford Motor and Procter & Gamble who have either slowed or abandoned their investments in Venezuela.

Despite the troubles in Venezuela, General Motors Co. shares have risen in premarket trading.

The views expressed in this opinion article are solely those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by EagleRising.com

About the author

Keely Sharp

Keely is a 23-year-old conservative writer for many different sites, including Keepandbear.com. While she lives in Georgia, she grew up in Florida. Keely is pro-life, Christian, and a member of the NRA. When she is not writing, she enjoys going to the range and hiking with her dogs.